Opinion

Editor: The staff of the Carrollton Adult Training Center would like to thank North American Stainless, Melanie Stewart and Leigh Ann Roberts for making Christmas brighter for our clients. We are very thankful for their generous contribution.

We of the Senior Citizens of Carroll County Inc. wish to thank everyone in Carroll County who has made the past eight years such a great time at our center. Without your support, it would not have been possible.

Although we closed the center on Jan. 1, it has been a pleasure to serve the senior citizens of Carroll County these eight years.

You only have to turn on the television or pick up a newspaper to learn that another retail business has closed its doors. Circuit City, The Sharper Image, Mrs. Fields and Linens ’N Things are just a few of more than 73 well-known retailers that filed for bankruptcy in 2008. Analysts predict another 170,000 retail stores will close their doors in 2009.

Can retail businesses “weather the storm” of this economy until relief is available and the consumer no longer fears spending money?

Every year, I’m amazed at how fast time passes once you become an adult. I remember being a young teen-ager, wishing I was 16 so I could drive, or telling Dad that I couldn’t wait until I’d graduate from high school.

“Don’t wish your life away,” Dad would say, and I’d just roll my eyes, as any good teen-ager will do.

On behalf of the Lady Panther Basketball team and Carroll County High School, I would like to say “thanks” to North American Stainless for sponsoring the Girls’ Basketball Classic played at Carroll County High School Dec. 20, 22 and 23.

The tournament was very successful again this year. Without the financial support from NAS, a holiday tournament such as this could not be held.

I received compliments from other coaches, school officials and fans for the hospitality shown by our Carroll County people.

On Dec. 18, the Carrollton Police Department and the Carroll County Detention Center conducted our eighth annual “Shop With A Cop” event. This year marked a milestone with our program in that as an eight year total we have surpassed over $100,000 expended to help more than 500 children in need.

We would like to thank the following for their contributions to our 2008 “Shop With A Cop” event.

Over the next two days, families everywhere will gather around the dinner table to share in a special holiday feast. For those who may be dreading the obligatory tradition, I empathize; I also find the holidays torturous.

But if your trepidation to spend the occasion with your own family is due to the threat of boredom, come on over to our place.

This year, among the guests expected to join in the festivities at my aunt’s house are The Super Hero, The Neutered Dog and The Naked Parent.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the following individuals and companies for the wonderful support and help in making this year’s “Christmas with the Sheriff” such a success.

Because of the amount of support and help we were able to help 79 children have a good Christmas this year. The support of money, time, help and food enabled us to have a great party for the children and the parents/guardians with Santa.

As a resident of Milton, I’d just like to throw my two cents in regarding the upcoming vote on whether to allow a winery to establish itself here in Trimble County.

I know that Trimble has been a dry county forever. I’m not really sure why, but having witnessed myself how alcoholism can be harmful to a person and to a person’s family, I do understand how people feel about the sale and use (or, more accurately, abuse) of alcohol.

Editor:

When I read the proposal brought before the County Fiscal Court about the recreational trail, it was disturbing to me.

Personally I think the money could be put to better use. We are living in an economic crisis and as the winter progresses there are going to be lots of [people in] need in our county. With the federal and state government cutting back, I doubt if the county would get a grant for such an unnecessary project any way soon.

During the holidays, many of us may get wrapped up in all the festivities with family and friends that make the season special.

However, it is important not to forget the brave men and women who are unable to celebrate the holiday season at home with their loved ones.

Nearly 370,000 American troops will be serving our country abroad during this holiday season. There are many ways you and your family can show your support for these troops and make sure they receive some holiday cheer from home.

I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My name is Billie Jo Jones. I was hired in August 2001 as Trimble County Family Court Deputy Clerk by June Ginn, Trimble County Circuit Clerk of 19 years.

In January 2007 June Ginn retired and Theresa Edwards was the newly elected Trimble County Circuit Clerk. After working only one day for the newly elected Circuit Clerk Theresa Edwards January 4, 2007 she made seven allegations against me.

From a technical standpoint, Kentucky’s judicial branch is the same age as its executive and legislative branches, all were officially formed when our Constitution was adopted in 1891.

But, the judiciary as we know it is only little more than three decades old. Voters created it in 1975 when they eliminated an often-confusing variety of courts and replaced them with the orderly system we have today.

Let’s see, the last time I checked, it was still October. Honestly, I blinked and suddenly tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I really don’t know how that happened.

’Tis the season, so let me remind everyone that if your organization has changes to its regular meeting schedule because of the upcoming holidays, please let me know so the Community Calendar on Page 7 will be accurate. Send an email to pcodling@mycarrollnews.com.

The Haunted Train was a great success. On behalf of the Carroll County Tobacco Festival, we thank all the volunteers for their help and support to make the Haunted Train and the Castle of Doom a success. Also we thank the committees for all the long hours and hard work.

Finding reasons to be thankful can be difficult during the holiday season.

I have never been a big fan of the holidays, even when my now 16-year-old daughter was a toddler and excited by the big family gatherings. Although I have never had a terrible holiday experience, I don’t remember a time when the season did not make me sad.